We’re used to seeingMark Wahlbergportray brawny, resilient characters. He gravitates towards tough protagonist roles with rugged characteristics and a slither of cheekiness. We’ve witnessed action-orientated, working-class hero performances as an undercover cop, athlete, and military man. But then there’s his comedic side too: Boston-bred, self-deprecating humor and street-smart persona. What’s surprising is, that throughout his career, he’s rarely portrayed as the evil villain.
Back in 1996, in James Foley’s psychological thrillerFear, Wahlberg played the obsessive and violent David McCall,starring alongside Reese Witherspoonas his target, Nicole Walker. Nearly 30 years later in 2025, under thedirection of Mel Gibson, Wahlberg’s dark side is unleashed in his only other villainous role, Daryl Booth inFlight Risk. Viewers have become used to the familiarity of Wahlberg being cast in the ‘everyman’ role, so will they feel it’s off-brand or accept him as a psychotic pilot in his latest film?
Mark Wahlberg’s Transition
After a despicable and well-publicized act of hate in his teen years, Wahlberg started to move on and carve a career in music. Although it was rather short-lived, he rapped in the band Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. In the early 90s, there was also a stint of Clavin Klein modeling with Kate Moss at the beginning of her Cool Britannia era. But then, in a strategic shift, he began to accept acting roles in independent movies and TV shows. He gradually became recognized as a serious actor, laying the groundwork for the significant roles to come.
Of course, it was his role of adult movie star Eddie Adams in Paul Thomas Anderson’sBoogie Nightsthat would cement Wahlberg as a serious actor. He was reluctant to play the part at first as he wanted to leave the days of his modeling in briefs behind. But it turned out to be a move he wouldn’t regret and his breakthrough performance alongside Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore. However, most people overlook Wahlberg’s film from the previous year,Fear, which arguably put him on the map and primed people for hisBoogie Nightsperformance.
Mark Wahlberg Recalls His Reluctance to Star in Boogie Nights; “The Subject Matter Was Not Appealing To Me.”
The actor said that after reading the script he realized that the film “could be something great.”
Can Wahlberg Nail Villainous Characters?
Fearhas that fuzzy ’90s youth culture appeal, similar to Cruel Intentions (which also starred Witherspoon). Appearing charming at first, Wahlberg did a good job of turning into a manipulative, dangerous teenage boyfriend, McCall, who becomes increasingly possessive of his girlfriend Nicole. His unstable nature escalates from psychological manipulation to extreme threats against Nicole and her family. Leonard Maltin wrote in hisMovie and Video Guide, “Mark Wahlberg is menacing as the lovestruck hood.” His performance led to Walhberg receiving his first award nomination from TV for Best Villain.
Wahlberg rerouted himself after his more provocative performative beginnings, turning away from the dark villain ofFearand the controversial porn star ofBoogie Nightsand settling into charming heroes and everyman characters. He’s become cleaner than ever in recent years, even playing a Catholic priest (reflecting the actor’s actual growing faith). So why accept the role inFlight Risk? One reason was the chance for Wahlberg with Gibson again, rekindling theirDaddy’s Home 2chemistry, but this time under his direction. He toldCollider: “…to be able to just watch him and be a student for the 20-some-odd days was remarkable.” Maybe it was time to wreak some havoc, this time as a pilot who goes by the fake name of Daryl Booth. Although he couldn’t quite let his hair down; you’ll see why…
Should Mark Wahlberg Take on More Evil Roles?
There’s not a lot of praise forFlight Riskat the moment. Gibson’s thriller is set almost entirely on a small charter plane traveling over the Alaskan wilderness. It follows Deputy U.S. Marshal, Madelyn Harris (Michelle Dockery), transporting a witness named Winston (Topher Grace) who’s about to testify against his former criminal boss. Wahlberg is the pilot who can’t be trusted. As soon as the autopilot is switched on, all pandemonium breaks loose. Turns out Booth is a hitman employed to stop Winston from reaching the trial. With Gibson’s typically solid directorial work,Flight Riskhad the potential to be ‘silly’, but quality ‘silly’. However, critics have rendered the film a little dull and ‘meh’.
Walhberg’s villain didmake its mark with MovieWeb: “Only Wahlberg — as a madman with a meme-ready bald head — gives the film any juice, which makes it all the more damaging that he spends so much of the film out of action.“The Only Critic agrees, “While it’s not exactly agoodfilm, it does serve up some white-knuckle thrills, and Wahlberg is fully committed to the manic challenge of playing a hired sociopath hell-bent on completing his mission.” There’s no reason for an established Mark Wahlberg not to try his hand at mastering another villain, though perhaps maybe one with a bit more subtlety. Or feature in a musical? French cinema? Period drama? The sky’s the limit…
Flight Risk
Set in a high-stakes world of international espionage, Flight Risk (2025) follows an elite team of operatives tasked with preventing a global catastrophe. Amid mounting tensions, they unravel a complex conspiracy that challenges their loyalties and skills, leading to a race against time to avert disaster.
